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BATTLE ABBEY SCHOOL MAGAZINE

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T M E G AT E WAY

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. A T T L . E A B B E Y S C H O O L ,

Foreword by the Headmistress Changes! They are inevitable in any institution which is alive and worthwhile, and looking back over the past two years since our last publication, I can see how they have come upon us; some intentional, some forced upon us by out­side influences such as the falling pound, or the passing of time and of a man's or woman's life, some insidious, almost unnoticed, but a welcome indication that the body of the school is alive and well and growing, for growth is change, and change is growth.

If the rules arc altered somewhat from time to time, often becoming more relaxed, this is a sign of greater responsibility among our seniors and a growing self-discipline in all the girls. I sit writing this on the hill above the lake where the Saxons died. It is a blaze of gold for the gorse is in flower and on the lake below me a family of Canada Geese show me that discipline is not a man-made imposition but is necessary to all living creatures: a long line of tiny goslings is making its orderly way across the lake, one parent in front, the other at the rear, and the pace and spacing would do credit even to our Guide Company! We all knew that the return to discipline and good standards would have to come to our national life, and wc are proud at Battle that our traditions have preserved such standards through the conflict of the outside world.

In lessons, in activities, in sports and in outside visits we are constantly adding something new. Fencing is a developing sport in the school, our Sixth Korm can now take up golf, driving and membership of the local Amateur Dramatic Society, and Music and Drama continue to play a large part in the life of the school. During the past two years Miss Scott has given more and more time to the senior girls for consultation and advice on career opportunities. There have been some changes in our work too: CSE Courses have been extended to all curriculum subjects, Integrated Studies has a permanent place on our timetable and a constantly changing way of development. Our language staff now take a party of their pupils to the Continent each year and you will

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see from our Calendar of Events the variety of activities and outside interests. The new Sixth Form Course continues to develop in nature, and more and more of our own girls arc staying on into the Sixth Form. Last summer wc held our first Speech Day for many years and were fortunate in the weather, in the large number of parents able to attend, and in our Guest Speaker, Mr. R. E. N. Hughes, Principal of Lewes Technical College.

Since the last Magazine was published much water has run under (he bridges and taken away with it three of our friends. The Dean, who had been such a friend and champion of the school, became Suffragan Bishop of Sherwood and so left Battle last June, his cheerfulness and humour greatly missed.

Many Old Girls will have been saddened lo hear of the death of Miss Mitchell last January, after a year in a nursing home. Since her retirement as Administrative Principal of the school in Miss Gifford's time, she kept her links here by her constant care and arrangements of the flowers and something of the past life of the school had gone when her visits stopped.

It was only the following month when Harold died. Except for a break in the war he had been here for over fifty years, the longest serving member ol Battle Abbey's family, whom we had all relied upon and taken for granted, as though he were one of the corner stones of the building. His name .mil < h.ti ,i< lei had become part of the uniqueness of the Abbey and will ncvei be forgotten in the annals of the school.

A great deal of publicity has been given lo ih<: sale "I the li,n lie \l>l>.\ Estate and the widespread concern for the future of the most historic mol in Britain has been mixed with some anxiety for the security of the school, but do not fear! Battle Abbey was conceived in 1066 and took a long time building, and in spite of its changes since then it remains the most important1 historic building, as the turning point of English history: Battle Abbey Shool was born, after a long pregnancy in Bcxhill, in 1922, and has been growing, changing. building, vibrating with life ever since, and so it will go on as long as all who love it, Old Girls and Present Girls, Parents and Staff continue to give their loyalt)

This is a school unique in its own way, as every good school should he. having its own individuality, and wc have here a school which must be .is representative of the world at large as wc could conceive possible. Wc have girls of many different nationalities from East and West, of different demc.niir.itioiis ol ili< Christian Church, and of different religions of the world, and far from this dividing and causing dissension, we find that all arc assimilated into the heart of the school, however different their own national cultures and w.i\ ol liIt-may be. Time and time again I hear people remark on the warm and friendly atmosphere of Battle Abbey. It has always been like thai and il is a reputation we cherish, and which our girls today are fostering in the easy way in vvhic h lliey welcome newcomers and in the tolerance and understanding they arc learning to use towards each other. It is from this sense of unity among us that friend­ships are formed, some friendships which must be subjected to separation, but I am constantly hearing how Battle Abbey girls in far flung corners of the earth meet quite unexpectedly: and some forge friendships which arc lifelong.

It is particularly sad, therefore, that our Old Girls' Association has had to call a halt to its activities during the past year. We hope that this will be only tempor­ary and would urge all Old Girls to keep in touch with each other and with the school as often as possible.

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The development of a sense of responsibility to the community and of the wield­ing of authority with sympathy and dignity are qualities we count among our greatest achievements. Complemented by an awareness of beauty wherever it is to be found, wc have the ground prepared for development as whole human beings who at the end of their time here could say in the words of Christopher Try, "We have discerned a little, we have learned more than the gossip thai comes to us over our gates".

J. I.. R. Parker Headmistress

School Calendar 1974/75 SEPTEMBER 1974

I 7th Beginning of Term 118th| New Girls arrive 21st Rye Festival - Forms. Transition to lllrd attend Muskett

Concert 24th Governors Meeting and Cocktail Party for Staff 27th Council Meeting 28th Wedding Reception in Abbot's Hall for the Dean's daughter 30th Council Meeting

Oct. 1st Paperback books for Students' Exhibition in Library 12th Battle Historical Society reception in Hall 24th Seniors to sec 'Pride and Prejudice' Bexhill 26th St. Etheldrcda's House Party

Nov. 9th St. Martin's House Party 1 lth & Council Meetings 15 th 16th Vllh and Vth to Brickwall Dance 20th Career Talk by Miss Ellingcr of Foreign Office

Vllh Outing to Brighton Chinese restaurant and Theatre 30th Vth Coffee evening for boys from Brickwall

Dec. 6ih Seniors to Eastbourne for Royal Ballet 9th Friends from Baltic invited lo join School for Carol Singing in

Abbot's Hall 10th Christmas Dinner and Vth Party 13 th Carol Service 14th End of Term

JANUARY 1975 12th to Group of Seniors and two Staff ski trip lo Austria 19 th 14th Beginning of Term 18th 'Cowboy Lecture' Mr. Pearson 21si Council Meeting

Janet Davis talked to girls about her work for the V.S.O. 31st W.R.A.F. Career Talk by Ft. Lt. Elliot

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Feb. 6th Group of Seniors to lecture on 'Historic Costume' in Bcxhill 7 th Civil Service Career Talk and film

10th Council Meeting 12th Ash Wednesday Communion Service in School Chapel 15th Vth Form Dance 22nd OPEN DAY 25th Juniors to Ballet in F.astbournc 27th Dean of Battle appointed Suffragcn Bishop of Sherwood 28th Council Meeting

March 1st Lecture'Snow and Game on the Equator'Mr. Klarwill 8th Talk and slides on Egypt - Miss Elizabeth Dives

10th Vllh and Vth to Art Films in Langlon Hall 12th Vlth visit Knole House, Sevcnoaks 15th St. Patrick's House Parly 16th CONFIRMATION 25th Mark Reading - St. Patricks won shield after 15 years

School Concert 26th End of Term

April 19th Brigadier and Mrs. Learmont's Golden Wedding Party in Abbot's Hall

23rd Beginning of Term 25th Party of Vlth visit University College Hospital, London 26th School Farewell Party for the Dean

May 1st Vth and IVth to see'Pygmalion' 9th Farewell presentations to Jim Mills and William Box.ill

10th St. Mary's House Party 1 7th N.S.P.C.C. Films 22nd & Two performances by Forms III and II of 'A Midsummer 23rd Night's Dream' 29th Council Meeting

June 15th Two Swiss Student Teachers arrived for 3 weeks teal hing practice

1 7th Cloudburst — Kitchen, passages and dining-room flooded 20th Council Meeting 21st Old Girls' "Victorian Evening' in aid of V.S.O. 23rd Vlth and IVth to Wimbledon 24th Consecration of Harold Darby as Bishop of Sherwood in York

Minster 26th Vlth to Chichestcr Theatre - Cyrano dc Bcrgci.n 27th & Meetings for Parents of Hlrd and IVth Girls 28th

July 3rd G.C.R. Outing W.R.N.S. Career Talk by 3rd Officer Barker

4th to Guide Camp 7 th

12th Old Girls' Day and Vth Form Summer Picnic 14th Vlth visit to Design Centre - London 16th Drama Club Production of 'Boy with a Cart' 17th Speech Day and Prize Giving followed by Sports 18 th End of Term

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School Calendar 1975/76 SEPTEMBER 1975

Sept. 16th Beginning of Term 1 7th New Girls arrive 18th Miss Scott attended the funeral of Cecil Baumer Composer

and former Music Master at B.A. School went to Bodiam for "Son at l.umicre"

21st 'Free Fall Parachuting' Lecture by Mr. Pearson Oct. 4th Mr. Ratiani, a parent and Iran's great composer, played to

school 6th Council Meeting

1 1th Lecture on 'Animal Behaviour' by Mrs. Hill (nee Pat Pears O.G. I 7th Miss Parker and 6 seniors to Institution and Induction of new

Dean - Mr. Bird 18th Historical Society Commemorative Party in Abbot's Hall

R.N.L.L film 24th Vlth and Vth to Journey's End, at Langton Hall 25th St. Etluldreda's House Party

Nov. 6th Group of Seniors to Opera in Eastbourne 7th Council Meeting

Wildlife Films - Langton Hall 8th St. Martin's House Party

10th Visit of II.M. Inspector 20th Vlth to Westminster Theatre to see 'Song of Asia' 26th Miss Parker to Old Girls' Meeting in London

Dec. 4th Party of Seniors to Royal Ballet in Eastbourne 5th Career visit by a group of Seniors to Pembury Hospital 6th Kafcc Trinkcn in Rainbow for girls studying German 8th Sherry party for Governors and Staff

Staff v. Vth Nctball match 9th & Vlth Form Christmas Party

10th Christmas Dinner in Abbot's Hall Carol singing round Fire in Hall

12th Carol Service 13th End of Term

JANAUARY 1976 Jan. 11th Beginning of Term

21st Juniors to see'Little Angels'Korean dancers Eastbourne 29th Vth to film of 'Henry Vth' - Bexhill

Miss Gwendoline Mitchell (Mitch) died 30th Council Meeting

Feb. 6th Memorial Service in Battle Church for Miss Mitchell 7th Mr. Hood from British Legion gave talk and showed film 8th Elizabethan Consort of Viols in Abbot's Hall

10th Harold taken to hospital 14th Mr. Roger Lunn — Cello recital 1 7th Folk group 'The Odd Occasion' entertained the School 18th Vlth, Vth and IVth to Eastbourne to sec performance of

'Godspell' 21st OPEN DAY for parents 28th Dance at Brickwall School, Norlhiam

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March 5th Career Talk on the Polite by Sgt. Skinner 8th Council Meeting

I'-'th Senior Choir won the Jepson Shield at Hastings Festival 13th Maureen Davis-Poynlcr trom Chichcstcr Tcatrc talked to

Seniors on 'The I'lays the Thing" I 1th Harold died 19th IV Ih Form Play 20th St. Patrick's Mouse Party 21st Party of Vth, IVth and illrd left Tor week's trip to France

Miss Parker look twenty senior girls to see 'Cherry Orchard' at Brickwall School

22nd Ilnd, 1st and Transition Form Plays 25th Mark Reading - School Concert 26th End of Term

April 26th Beginning of'Perm 29th Council Meeting

May 1st Folk group "The Odd Occasion'entertained girls 2nd Illrd Form Play (Postponed from last term) 8lh St. Mary's House Party

lfilli VIih Design Course visit Buxted Park F.xhihilion nl Antiques 21st 'Health and Beauty' Lecture by Marina Andrews 23rd CONFIRMATION

COMING EVF.NTS June I8lh Guide Camp

21st 25th & Illrd and IVth Parents Meetings 26th

July 3rd Summer Ball 9lh Vlth Outing to Chichcstcr Theatre

10th Sports Day 16th Speech Day and Dance Club presentation of'As You Like it' 1 7th End of Term

House Reports St. Mary's Summer Term 1976

Head of House: Lilmarie Evans Games Captain: Rosanna Paticchio Bronzes: Helen Reid Stars: Heba Ghalcb, Elizabeth Hooper, Judith Jones, Rosanna Paticchio and

Angela Woolgar G.C.R.'s: Susan Connor, Isio Dove-Edwin, Ama Hackman, Zorch Jazayery and

Gillian Kcenan Trophies held by House: Netball Cup

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St. Martin's Summer Term 1976

Head of House: Lorraine Usher Vice-Head: Dureen Tseu Ex-Head: Maureen Diaz-Albcrtini Games Captain: Jane Sutherland Stars: Fiona Heron, Corinne Light, Bina Shah, Stella Shahinian and Lian

Vahabzadeh G.C.R.'s: Jacqueline Branch-Evans, Caroline Fielding, Alison Hart, Jennifer

Heron, Caroline McMillan, Penelope Seabrook and Erica Simpson Trophies held by House: Work Cup: Shield

St. Etheldreda's Summer Term 1976

Head of House: Elizabeth Williamson Acting Vice Head: Sally Tuckelt Games Captain: Gcorgina Henry (Bronze) Stars: Diana Albright, Lynn Brookcr, Ruth Crump. Tamara Fries and Dcbra

Simson G.C.R. 's: Alida Gasper, Melissa Henry, Judith Longfoot, Caroline Moore,

Jane Morland and Nicola Rutherford Jones

St. Patricks House Captain: Susan Perkins Vice House Captain: Kcrena Guest Games Captain: Corinna Morrison-Low Bronzes: Gulbanu Gulamabbas Stars: Gita Farid, Jill Moss, Claudette Roberts, Fiona Tcalc, Caroline Tierney

and Sally Ticrncy G.C.R. 's: Louise Maggiora, Rosa Maggiora, Jackie Quanjer, Mathildc Quanjer,

Estcllc Robinson, Penclopy Rudolph and Suzanne Ward Cups held: Conduct Cup

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AWARDS - SPRING TERM, 1976

Unity Cup Fourth Form Activities Cup Second Form Drama Cup Caroline Spack

Games Report WINTER TERM 1974 - SPRING TERM 1975 Nethall - 5 school teams played

team matches played 1st VII 3 Under 15 VII 2 Under 14VII 4 Under 13X11 4 Under 12VII 1

National Schools Netball Tournament Battle Abbey came 3rd in a section of 5 teams

Hockey - only 1 school team 1st XI played 2; lost l ;drcw 1

SUMMER TERM 1975 Tennis Abcrdare Cup

Baltic Abbey 1st VI - placed 4th 1st VI (3 couples) played 2 other matches - lost 2 Under 15VI (3 couples) played one match - lost 1

Rounders matches played won Under MIX 2 0 Under13IX 2 0 Under 12IX 1 0

Ai TUMNTERM 1975 Netball — 6 school teams

won drew lost 0 0 S 0 0 2 2 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 1

National Schools Netball Tournament Battle Abbey Over 16VII played 6; won 1; lost 5

Hockey - one school team only 1st XI played and drew 1 match

drew lost 0 0 1

2 2 0

teams matches played won drew lost 1st VII 2 1 0 1 Under 16 VII I 1 0 0 Under 14VI1 3 0 0 3 Under 13VII 4 0 1 3 Under 12VII 2 0 0 2

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SPRING TERM 1976 Netball — 6 teams

1st VII G.S. S. Tieincy G.A. L. Hooper W.A. C. Tieiney C. G. Henry W.D. G. Light G.D. S. Tuckctt G.K. U. Diaz-Albcrtini Rescn re — D. Ross 1st VII had an unbroken record. Won all the games they played. Scored 73 goals, only 19 scored against them.

teams match cs played won drew lost 2nd VII 1 0 0 1 Under 16 VII 1 0 0 1 Under 14VII 4 2 0 2 Under 13VII 2 0 0 2 Under I2VII 3 2 0 1

Other teams - Nctball - Spring Term 1976 2nd VII Under 16 G.S. F. Teale G.S. K. Ross G.A. F. Heron G.A. G. Henry W.A. D. Simpson W.A. J . Moss C. D. Tseu C. V. Keenan W.D. K. Welch W.D. C. Morrison-Law G.D. M. Hooper G.D. J . Godson G. K. L. Vahabzadch G.K. D. Tseu

Under 14VII Under 13 VII G.S. F. Gilbert G.S. I. Dove-Edwin G.A. M. Langrishe G.A. C. Mahoraj W.A. S. Clayton W.A. L. Maggiora C. B. Holroyd C. P. Seabrook W.D. F. Bacon W.D. J . Morland G.D. C. I.ongfoot G.D. M. Henry G.K. R. Haine G.K. C. Fielding

Under 12 VII G.S. C. Simpson G.A. N. Rohani/C. S< jh rab W.A. J . Tuckctl C. J . Longfoot W.D. Sa. Palmer G.D. J . Heron G.K. S. Connor G.D. J . Heron G.K. S. Connor

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INTER SCHOOL EVENTS

AUTUMN TERM 1974 Senior House Netball

1st St. Mary's 2nd St. Patrick's 3rd St. Martin's 4th St. Etheldreda's

Junior House Netball 1st St. Martin's 2nd St. Patrick's 3rd St. Etheldreda's 4th St. Mary's

Nctball Cup to St. Martin's Staff vs. School Netball Match

Winner: Staff 1 0?

SUMMER TERM 1975 Intcrhouse Senior Tennis

1st St. Patrick's 2nd St. Etheldrcda's 3rd St. Mary's 4th St, Martin's

Cup to St. Patrick's Junior House Rounders

1st St. Mary's 2nd St. Patrick's 3rd St. Etheldreda's 4th St. Martin's

Interhouse Swimming 1st St. Patrick's 2nd St. Mary's 3rd St. Etheldreda's 4th St. Martin's

Senior Tennis Singles G. Henry

Senior Tennis Doubles E. Hoopcr/G. Henry

Junior Singles (not played)

Junior Doubles J . Joncs/L. Vahabzadch

Athletics Individual Cup G. Henry/L. Hooper

Interhousc Sports 1st St. Mary's 2nd St. Etheldrcda's 3rd St. Patrick's •1th St. Martin's

P. E. Cup Elizabeth Hooper

House Games Captains 1974 1975 St. Patrick's C. Ticrncy St. Etheldreda's S. Tuckctt St. Martin's A. Pcnncy St. Mary's I.. Hooper

AUTUMN TERM 19 75 Senior House Nctball

1st St. Mary's 2nd St. Martin's 3rd St. Patrick's 4th St. Ethcldrcda's

Junior House Nctball 1st St. Mary's 2nd St. Ethcldrcda's 3rd St. Martin's 4th St. Patrick's

Netball Cup St. Mary's

Staff vs. School Netball Match Winner: Staff (approx. 10-0!)

Junior Table Tennis 1975 R. Haine

Junior Table Tennis 1976 M. Henry

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Games Captains 1975 -1976 St. Mary's R. Patlichio St. Etheldrcda's G. Henry St. Patrick's C. Morrison-Law St. Martin's J. Sutherland

Inter Schools Gymkhana (Beauport Park) Result 1st Team A (Battle Abbey)

(Maureen Diaz-Albertini, Miriam Hooper. Elizabeth Hooper (capt)) 2nd Team B (Battle Abbey)

(Jane Sutherland (capt), Ruth Crump. Bryony Holroyd) Individual Rider's Cup (Beauport)

Elizabeth Hooper

Judo Judo is one of the finest arts of sell '-defeat :e. It is not very dangerous to learn and is considered by doctors, as one of the best exercises for women. Judo is relaxing lor one's mind and makes one's body supple. Judo has been taught in Battle Abbey school for many years. The Chief Instruc­tor is Captain E. A. Cruse, 1st Dan, British Judo Association, Principal of the &BStbourae Acadamy of Judo. In Battle Abbey school. Judo is taught only to the senior girls. At the present moment about ten girls of the senior school learn. Twice a year girls take their Judo examinations at the Eastbourne Acadamy of

Judo. The following girls have taken some exams and according to their skill and ability to defend themselves against attacks, they have achieved the follow­ing grades:

Gcorgina Henry, 4th Kyu (Blue belt) Class Captain Ruth Crump. 5th Kyu (Green belt) Vice Class Captain Jane Sutherland, 5th Kyu (Green belt) Corrina Morison-Law, 5th Kyu (Green belt) Bina Shah, 7th Kyu (Orange belt) Nazi Sharsiatzadeh, 9th Kyu (Yellow belt) Amanda Roberts, 9th Kyu (Yellow belt) Vivie Steino, 9th Kyu (Yellow belt)

Two of the other girls who are beginners and have not yet taken any exams: Corrinc Light, White belt Nassim Zolraghari, White belt

Girls learning Judo show their skill of Judo each year on the School Open Day for parents. Last year. Battle Abbey Judo learning girls also joined in the Eastbourne Carnival to display Judo. Each year at the end of summer term at the prize giving, a trophy is presented to a girl who the instructor thinks has put the most effort in her work. Last summer Jane Sutherland won the trophy and she will hold the trophy till the end of Summer term 1976.

Bina Shah, Form V

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Judo display

Beauport Park Inter-school gymkhana 1976 Two teams from Battle Abbey were entered in the Beauport Park's Riding Stable's Gymkhana. Team A was represented by Maureen Diaz-Albertini (Show Jumping); Mimi Hooper (Gymkhana events); Liz Hooper (Dressage). Team B consisted of Jane Sutherland (Show Jumping); Bryony Holroyd (Gymkhana events) and Ruth Crump (Dressage). Four other schools entered the competition, each entering two teams, as well, making a total of ten. The schools were Bedgcbury, Charters Towers, Convent of Our Lady, and Broomham. After an exhausting event, Mimi Hooper emerged FIRST overall, scoring 4 points for her team. Bryony Holroyd was just beaten into second place but scored 2 points for her team, for coming THIRD. In the Dressage Phase, otherwise known as "Best Rider", Liz Hooper (BECCY) and Ruth Crump (DOMINIC) took SECOND and THIRD places respectively. This added three points and two points to their team's total. The Show Jumping proved to be the most exciting event of the day, and after a nerve racking jump-off, Jane Sutherland (PETARD) was placed THIRD, adding two more points to her team's total; Maureen Diaz-Albcrtini (DOMINIC) was placed FIFTH. At the end of the day when the points scored were added up, much to Battle Abbey's delight, they found they had been placed FIRST (Team 'A') and SECOND (Team 'B'), thus gaining the cup.

Liz Hooper, Form VI

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Wimbledon 1975 The coach to Wimbledon rolled out of the School gates at nine-thirty, the roar of the engine being drowned by excited chatter. We arrived at Wimbledon by twelve, very keen and excited, unable to restrain ourselves from running head­long into the turnstile. Lunch was a picnic of assorted sandwiches and savouries, which we devoured hungrily. The queue to Wimbledon seemed to be miles long, but the weather promised sunshine and we clutched our 75p allowance without complaint — we could wait!

John Lloyd was going to play against Jimmy Conners on Centre Court, and Bjorn Borg was scheduled to play against Jorge Andrews on Court 2. Although we arrived an hour before the matches were due to commence, Wimbledon was buzzing with spectators, some of whom had queued the night before showing the first signs of fatigue as they hauled their hampers and rucksacks between squeezing, pushing fanatics.

It was impossible to get through to the Centre Court, even though we had arrived early, so the majority of us made a bccline for Court 2 where the nordic hero was practising serves with opponent Andrews. We stood by the Court, rigid and immobile in case we should be pushed out of our places by the thousands who were battling for a standing position. The game started, the tension mounted. The crowd gasped and ejaculated at every uncontrollable flaw and Borg looked on in patient endurance. He looked calm and self-assured, making the Venezuelan player nervous as he knew whom he was playing against.

Both played brilliantly, incorporating their individual style and effort until they flopped exhausted at the intervals. The only thing that embarrassed both players was the way the journalists jostled around Borg at every spare minute, ignoring Andrews completely. People screamed for the Swedish player and cheered him on, whereas the self-sufficient Andrews had only himself to boost his morale! Borg ran back to the dressing rooms escorted by a policeman when rain stopped the game. The mass of people who had come to sec the first day of Wimbledon stood disappointedly in the soft pattering rain. All the games on Centre Court One and Two and Practice Courts were interrupted.

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Jimmy Connors and John Lloyd went back to play as soon as the canvas sheeting was pulled back from the grass, but we were informed that the game could not start again for another twenty minutes. A murmur of disapproval rippled through the spectators, most of whom stood obstinately in the rain, with only a programme to save them from soaking! Borg and Andrews returned, only to be interrupted by another fresh shower of rain. Hurriedly the canvas was pulled over the grass court. They returned and played well despite the fickle weather. Kvcntually Borg won, but we were not there to see it, as we had to tear ourselves away reluctantly, to come back to School. The coach stopped at a traffic light near a television rental shop, and we all peered through the window lo catch the last glimpse of the match before the coach turned the corner and groaned Battle-bound with its sniffing, sneezing, day-dreaming passengers leaving the sunny afternoon, and Wimbledon, behind.

Gita Farid, Form IV

Guide Camp 1975 On Friday 4th July 1975 some of 2nd Battle company guides set off by coach to go to camp. The journey took about an hour, and then we finally arrived at Pickctts Wood. We were accompanied by Miss Fcntum, Mrs. Fellows and Korty. After getting off the bus we unloaded everything from the back. Some of us walked up a hill which was all stony and very hard to walk up. After we had reached the top with a lot of our luggage, we discovered we were at the wrong place: so down we went again! In the end we found the site and gradually settled down.

We were split into four patrols, each one was named after an animal; Alsatians, Horses, Hamsters and Mice. The night was quite peaceful after about 11 o'clock, that was after Miss Fentum had found the Alsatians hiding peacefully in the Horses' tent. The Alsatians was the smallest patrol as it only consisted of four girls. At each meal time there were special jobs to do; wood, water, cooking and washing up. The first day we were sent off separately with a map. Our job was to walk to Flctching. We all arrived safely after about an hours walk, then we had our tea, that Miss Fentum, Mrs. Fellows and Korty brought for us by car, outside a Vicarage. The Vicar came out and gave us some orange squash to drink. The Alsatians stayed to wash up the glasses. On the way back to the camp site they took a few diversions and got back at least an hour after everyone else. That night we had supper round a camp fire. Later that night, once again the Alsatians were caught in another tent playing cards.

Sunday morning we went up to the shop on the main road, and spent all our money. After lunch we were given questions to answer which meant we had to go around the fields and it was such a lovely day. Next day, Monday, we came back to school. We were back approximately 4 o'clock after a very enjoyable and hectic weekend.

C. Smith, Form IV

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Modern Dancing Modern dancing is an extra subject taught by Mrs. Spillctt. In the group there arc about twelve pupils of different ages, ranging from First Form to Fourth Form and they all enjoy it very much. The lessons usually begin with Floor exercises just to loosen the dancers' limbs. Then they go on to learn some different dancing steps which are usually for the dancing grades they arc working for. There arc four grades in all, represented by different stars which the girls sew on to their leotards. When the girls have learnt all the steps thoroughly, they learn dances using them, and usually do the dances to some appropriate music brought by Mrs. Spillctt. These lessons arc held every Wednesday afternoon in the gym. Sometimes in the summer term, if it is very warm, Miss Parker will allow the dancers to have their lessons outside on the Cedar Lawn.

F. Bacon, Form III

T h e Jepson Challenge Shield' On 19th March 1976 the Festival Choir entered for 'The Jepson Challenge Shield". F.ight schools, including Battle Abbey competed. We were the third school to sing. All the schools had to sing 'The Viking Song' by Coleridge Talyor and a second song of their own choice. We chose 'The Son of the Muses' by Schubert. All through the songs of the other two schools before us we listened intently, making comments and comparing them. Then at the end of the second school's last song we nervously threw off our jackets and assembled ourselves in the aisle. Then the name of our school was announced and that of our own song. We walked on to the stage. The lights shone brightly in our faces. Mr. Stuart started playing the piano. We smiled patiently, then drew in a deep breath and started to sing, "Clang, Clang, Clang, on the anvil". When all the applause had died down we started singing 'The Son of the Muses'. The judge obviously liked our song and choice as she smiled and started swaying to the music. Then slowly we all went back to our places. At the end the judge read out her comments on each song, then when she had finished she read the order of marks obtained from last to first. The last name that was read out was "Battle Abbey, 87 marks". We had won 'The Jepson Challenge Shield1.

Nadine Williams, Form IV

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Miss G Mitchell Gwendolen Mitchell was for just 40 years connected with Battle Abbey School, first as Secretary and subsequently, Co-Principal with myself. Her parents died shortly after she came to the Abbey, and having no close relatives the Abbey became her abiding interest in life and she gave all her energies to its welfare. She was particularly concerned as principal with the health and physical welfare of the school and look her responsibilities very seriously. Many old girls will remember how she was always ready to stop what she was doing and listen to their troubles - and joys. She loved flowers and had a great gift in the arranging of them, and many will remember the beauty she managed to create for the various functions of the school. Her friends were made in the school and Battle and they made her last years of illness much happier by constant visits. They, and I, arc thankful that her pass­ing was so peaceful - in her sleep. Rcquicscat in pace.

Margaret K. Gifford

Harold Wheeler (died 1976) Appreciation by Miss Sheehan-Darc on occasion of School Jubilee, 1972

HAROLD WHEELER is our oldest inhabitant. He joined us in 1922. Although he did war-lime service in the Army, he eventually came back to us, and we looked once more to him for all the many things which only an utterly trustworthy member of the household gives. The nightly round of locking up doors and windows was among his responsi­bilities. This he carried out so faithfully that one morning during the holidays he reproved me on discovering that I had left the hook of a second floor bath­room door undone when I had gone in lo fetch something Ihe nigh I before. During the winter holiday of 1962 63, after a night of the worst blizzard wc ever remember, he forced his way waist-deep in snow, and wet through, lo the San. to save the central heating from ruin, and did a second such journey to Cleveland to answer a call from Miss Jacoby who was marooned because the front door could not be opened against the weight of snow. It is I lie knowledge thai such people will, unasked, stand by one at all times and in every circumstance which sets their services beyond price.

Helen Shcehan-Dare

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Work for Charity 1974-76 Adoption of an eye camp in India under the auspices of the British Commonwealth Institute for the Blind Carol Singing for the P.D.S.A. Carol Singing for Guide Dogs for the Blind Carol Singing in Abbots' Hall in aid of the Mentally Handicapped (Battle Branch) Lent collection for a talking book for the blind

£130 £18 £7.50

£17.77 £35.65

Austria What better way is there to learn German than to go to Austria skiing? That seemed to be the general opinion of the seventeen girls, two members of staff and three friends as wc set off after breakfast on Sunday, January 12th for Gatwick. By that evening we had crossed the English Channel and were hall way across Europe. As we walked down to the Neuc Post Hotel for supper after having left our luggage in the Sonnenhof where wc were staying, we experienced the cold air of a skiing resort and felt excitement for the week's skiing to come. From the time that wc hired our skis and boots after supper we were almost continually on the move. At 7.30 wc were woken for breakfast which was at 8.00, to be at the cable-car by 9.00. Lessons began at 10.00 and between 10.00 and 4.00 there was a break of two hours for lunch. At 4.00 wc took the cable-car back down to the village and we usually rested before dinner. Mayrhofen was a picture. It was a village situated at the end of a glaciated valley between a number of spurs. The slopes, the Ahorn and the Pcnken, were far above on cither side of the valley and were reached by the two cable-cars. It is not until the cable-cars are, for some reason, not functioning that one realizes how much they arc relied upon. Wc experienced this one day when the wind made operating the cable-car dangerous and wc had the choice of cither sleeping in a chairlift or skiing the six kilometres down to the valley along the winding, narrow track.

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Wc were all very sore after "snow-ploughing" six kilometres, but it was, never­theless, an unforgettable experience, as was the entire holiday. I neglected to add that apart from enjoying the skiing, admiring the picturesque scenery and eating "wiener schnitzel" and "Apfcl strudel" we did learn some German and also many of the colloquial terms so "jetzt konncn wir sehr gut Dcutsch sprechen!"

L. Dcvlen, Form V

A Midsummer Night's Dream Third form were delighted when they were told Miss Parker was producing "A Midsummer Night's Dream". We started to read the book and got a general idea of the story in our drama lessons. In the Faster term we had auditions, but those who did not get a part in the play had plenty to do. There were costumes to be made, stage hands needed and also prompts. Our first rehearsals took place in the Abbot's Hall at the end of term which was a disappointment as we had planned to do the play in the outdoor theatre, but this was impossible because it was so cold outside. Wc returned at the beginning of the Summer term ready to start rehearsing hard. Second form were also in the play; they were either fairies or workers. With two weeks until the first performance we rehearsed solidly in the outdoor theatre, enjoying every minute of it. Mrs. Fenn made the costumes and everyone helped as much as they could. Miss Gay helped with the making of beads and brooches. Our dress rehearsal went very well, and so did the two performances that followed the next day for the school. On Friday we had the last performance to which parents and friends were invited. This was a great success and everyone enjoyed it. I am sure that if our form do another play, we shall enjoy it as much as we did this one.

Fiona Heron, Form IV

An Outing to Westminster Theatre Vth and Vlth Form Outing, Summer 1975

We arrived in London at twelve o'clock, on 10th July, amidst much jollity throughout the coach journey from the fifth and sixth forms. The members of staff who accompanied us were Miss Fcntum — form-mistress of the fifth — and Mr. Laccy - form-master of the sixth, who has connections with the theatre. The morning consisted of a scries of lectures concerning costumes, set-design and the theatre's history, after which we were taken on a guided tour around the building.

It is a fascinating theatre, and its central theme or message, on which the various plays arc based, is the making of a new world through moral rearmament. Included in the tour, there were several rooms filled with paintings; this exhi­bition was an effort to raise money for the theatre's forth-coming production. At the conclusion of the tour seemed an opportune moment to have lunch. Our 'packed picnic' was consumed without much ado, and wc then waited a few moments before two o'clock, when the performance began.

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In the duration of the next two and half hours, the audience were undoubtedly moved by this poignant, and realistic situation. The play, entitled "Return Trip", was based on a true experience at a drug rehabilitation centre in Gloucestershire. Dealing specifically with the question of drug addiction, the play took a searching look at family life and reactions of a younger generation, who felt the world had 'let them down'. The emotional trauma these "drop­outs" and addicts have to endure was projected with especial care, inducing an atmosphere of both sympathy and horror from the audience. At its end, wc had the opportunity to put questions to Mr. Hugh Stcadman Williams, co-playwright of the play, about possible conflicting attitudes about "Return Trip", and what prompted him to write it.

Being such a controversial topic, everyone had caught the thread of the play and the discussion was stimulating and emphatic. It continued on into tea, which wc had in the theatre's restaurant. It was a most enjoyable outing, and one which will remain all the more memorable, because the message of "Return Trip" is still with us today.

1.. M. Kvans, Form V

Battle Player's Amateur Dramatic Society In the summer term of 1975, Miss Parker took the 5th and 6lh Forms to sec "Pygmalion" in l.angton Hall, Battle, performed by the Battle Players. Lynn Snowden, Maureen Diaz-Albcrtini and I are very keen on drama, and so wc asked Miss Parker if wc could join this club to which wc have now belonged for a year. In January this year "Journey's End" was produced, wc all helped with building the stage but could not take acting parts as it was an all male cast. At the same time with some other members of Battle Players wc went to a Theatre Workshop group, run by Nora Cawthornc, a wonderful actress and person. We enjoyed the theatre workshop tremendously, and Nora taught us the fundamentals of acting. We were given pieces from Shakespeare to read; themes for acting in groups on the spur of the moment were thrown at us; and Maureen and I sang songs wc had written to the guitar and piano. Later Maureen and I were asked to perform as Guest Stars in Norah's pantomime at Mountfield, in February. We accepted her offer with enthusiasm. Eventually the great First night arrived, and, after struggling with our stage nerves we managed to put on a fair performance. We were lucky to have good audiences every night and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. The songs we sang were from recent hits, from 'pop' to 'folk-music'. The following week we performed at Clavcrham where wc were giving a 'Review' of all that wc were taught at our drama classes with Nora Cawthornc.

In the review we did some dancing, poetry reading from the war poets which arc included in the 'O ' level syllabus this year, and some short skits. Maureen and I sang some more songs to her guitar, one of which was written by Maureen herself, called 'Walking Through the City Streets' and one by me 'Do you Think of Me' for which Maureen wrote the tune. We certainly do enjoy ourselves at Battle Players and look forward to many other productions.

Claudette Roberts, Form VI

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Chichester Festival Theatre One Saturday evening, Mrs. Pointcr-Davies, from the Royal Chichester Theatre, came and gave us a lecture on the theatre. The lecture was given in acts.

Act I This act was about the costumes used in the theatre; how they were made, cost, etc. The costumes that were modelled by some of the girls were all from different plays. They looked very elaborate and expensive but were actually made quickly and cost very little. Some, which had the colours of the Rainbow in their flaired skirts, were made by just spraying different paints on plain white silky material, the results were very effective.

Act II In this act we saw slides. The slides were varied, but a lot were on the different stages of the Theatre as it was being built. Some were of the founder of the theatre, some of actors playing their roles, some of various costumes being made and lastly some of the finished theatre; which was a masterpiece and took only three years to complete.

Act III After that Mrs. Pointer-Davies went on to explain some of the theatrical tricks. She asked one of the girls to volunteer to go up to her and she tied a belt round her waist. She took a dagger out of a slot in the belt and explained that in the plays, when one of the actors has to be killed, he wears the belt and his killer pushes the dagger as hard as he can through the slot. She also showed us another which had a hole in it and it was used when an actor wanted to commit suicide. Some stage blood, which is not in any way like tomato ketchup, is put in the plastic handle and the actor puts the side with the hole on his throat and when he squeezes the handle the stage blood comes out of the hole on lo his throat.

There were also some wigs which Mrs. Pointcr-Davics let us try on, one of which was made from the hair from the tail of a horse; the hair was plainted blue, with a spray, was extremely long and very heavy. The wig was used for people who acted as spirits. There were plenty of programmes and booklets about the theatre. Mrs. Pointcr-Davies told us of the famous actors and actresses that had been there. The lecture was extremely interesting and Tamara Fries gave a vote of thanks. Everyone enjoyed it and thought it was an interesting afternoon.

C. Light, Form IV, C. Haghuerdian and Susan Clayton, Form III

The Cherry Orchard At the end of the Spring Term several members of the senior school were invited to see a play performed by members of "Brickwall School". This was "The Cherry Orchard", which was Anton Chekhov's last. It was a comedy, or so Chekhov insisted, and was written in 1903. We all enjoyed the play very much for the actors were very accomplished. The main part, Madame Lyuba Ranevsky, was played by the costume mistress, Rosemary Hawthorne. Although she must have had a tremendous amount of work to do, she played the part excellently. So too did her daughters, who were

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in fact played by boys; they were very convincing! Another actor who, I thought, played an excellent role was Termolay Lopakhin, a business man. In fact all the actors were most amusing and entertaining. The sets were well designed and the scenery in the second scene was very well arranged and painted. There was one interval, during which refreshments were served and in this we found time to comment on the play and actors. Then, later on in the evening we left for Battle. There was much noise in the coach as we drove back; the evening was certainly a memorable one.

I). Ross, Form IV

Little Angels of Korea On Wednesday, 21st January, all the junior school and some of the fifth and fourth forms went to the Congress Theatre, in Eastbourne, to sec a performance given by the Little Angels of Korea. Three members of staff went with us, Miss Mumford, Miss Moreman and Miss Sale. The performance was very good, it consisted of fifteen dances including the Crande Finale. Apart from the Little Angels there was a group of adults who each played a musical instrument from Korea. Although they played an important part in accompanying the dances, they stayed backstage, but they did at one time come out in front of the curtains and play to the audience. This was particularly interesting as we could see what the actual instruments looked like, and what size they were. One of the most effective and unusual dances was the third one, Buchac Chum (Fan Dance). This dance is one of the most popular dances in Korean Folk Literature. The fans expressed joy by opening and closing; the dancers helped convey this by their simple and beautiful movements. The Grand Finale was called Nang Oak (Farm Dance). This interpreted the farmers'joy and thanksgiving. For an encore the Little Angels sang folk songs from around the world. When the performance was over we were all very sorry to leave as we had enjoyed it so much.

Tania Henison, Form IV

Godspell On 18th February the senior forms (4th, 5th, 6th) went with Miss Fcntum and Mrs. Gould to Eastbourne to sec the production of "Godspell". The stage was decorated with wire fencing, and lamps hung from the ceiling. There was no scenery and it generally lacked colour and vitality. It seemed a disappointing start. We awaited the debut with apprehension. The 'cast' came on in jeans and T-shirts. A wave of bored discontent and dis­interest rippled through the audience. It looked as if it was going to be an ordinary show, through which the performers tried to communicate with simple clothes and ineffective scenery. It did not take long to turn the scowling faces to delighted smiles as John the Baptist came roaring down the steps, his lungs exploding with song. He brought with him a sudden burst of singing and activity.

•II

The cast began to sing, jump, dance and throw themselves around the stage with lively lunacy. The audience grinned with approval. That was more like it! The audience was soon tapping to the music, sharing in its lively warmth. The actors came down the aisle of the theatre and encouraged us to join in with the music, the clapping and the fun. The noise rose as participants enthusiastically displayed their pleasure. At one point I felt sure I was going to get up and dance, but thanks to strong friends by my side I was restrained. There was a mixture of happy, humorous, sad and limb-jerking live music which had a shattering effect on us (especially the nervous ones). The script was clever, and its labyrinth of witty wording was well-understood and appreciated. It was a lively, enjoyable, fast-moving show that aroused the audience's emotions to sheer delight or sank in moody depression (or in the case of the meeker members of our school, reduced them to tears) by its complete dominance over the audience.

After its lively, noisy heralding, the show rolled from one song into another incorporating sequences of dance and gymnastics. At the interval we were invited to drink wine on stage (much to the delight of the younger female audience who raced on to the platform before Jesus had finished singing!). Towards the end of the performance the lights dimmed and Jesus bade each friend farewell with a soothing gentle song. By now a lump nad risen in my throat and I had difficulty in swallowing. Next came the crucifixion which was very moving and once again reduced the gentler members of our form to con­vulsive sobs and choking. The music was low and it hummed quietly around us. Jesus hung on the wire fencing on the stage and red ribbons rippled from his wrist to symbolize blood. There was a sense of desperation and unrest amongst the audience, as if they had seen this scene before and wanted to prevent it. Gradually the voices rose to a crescendo. Suddenly the lights came and every­body was singing and shouting. The body of Jesus was carried down the aisle, where wc felt part of the show. The cast then ran out and away, before the hordes of ecstatic fans could follow them, I presume.

"Godspcll" was a brilliant rock opera and I am sure that all who saw it, enjoyed it. It has got to be seen to be believed, and I believe the proof of the pic is in the eating!

G. Farid, Form V

Song of Asia In the Christmas term of 1975, the Sixth form — accompanied by Mr. Lacey and Miss Fcntum — travelled to the Westminster theatre in London, to see "Song of Asia". It was an event which had been anticipated for several weeks, so we awaited its advent with a mixture of curiosity and impatience. In the meantime, Mr. Laccy had prepared us well, with literature and up to date news of the cast, some of whom he knew personally.

Our interest thus kindled, wc entered the Westminster Theatre, and were immed-ately swept up in its warm, friendly atmosphere. Before the play began in the afternoon, wc had a further insight into its composition from various people con cerncd with lighting, stage-design, and several members of the cast were also

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present to tell us a little about themselves. The cast consisted of people from places like Australia, Asia, India, Singapore, Pakistan, Papua - New Guinea and Sri Lanka - to mention but a few. They had abandoned their material security in order to form a group with one idea in common. They have travelled widely -their play being performed in many languages in an effort to spread ideas that would result in the world being a better place. This came over extremely well in the simple, but very moving, words and music of the play.

The costumes were both varied and colourful, and wc were informed afterwards that some of the national costumes cost as much as XI00 per one outfit. The set-design was kept very simple, thereby paving the way for the excellent lighting effects. The most spectacular scene was when the Maori tribe paddling in a 'canoe' set off to discover a new land which they could call their own. The canoe was set at the front of the stage, where small lights laced its bottom. The stage was bathed in blue light to begin with, with tinges of orange which suggested dawn. However, the most fascinating part, was that in the 'night' of the scene the oars were luminous, and with the up-tempo drum-beat it was not difficult to imagine oneself on the verge of discovery.

After this electric performance, wc had a wonderful 'high-tea' in the theatre's restaurant which, needless to say, met with great approval. So, indeed, had the play, as comments throughout the meal indicated. As always, a new thought had been installed and for many, this inspiration is still apparent.

L. M. Evans, Form VI

The visit to Pembury hospital Towards the end of the winter term, a small group travelled with Miss Scott to Pembury Hospital, which is just outside Tunbridgc Wells. When wc arrived at our destination we were greeted by the matron, and shown around the wards. Wc went to many wards, and found all the nurses and doctors very busy at their work. One thing we all agreed on was how lovely it was seeing the new-born babies with their mothers in the maternity ward.

Towards the middle of the day we went to the staff canteen, where we bought a delicious meal very cheaply. Wc were asked to sit at tables with nurses or Doctors, so that we could ask them questions about nursing. After lunch we continued looking around the wards. Wc went to the X-ray rooms, ahd were shown the very expensive equipment. At the end we thanked the matron very much for a very interesting and enjoyable day. We got into the mini-bus and set off back to school.

K. Welch, Form IV

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Vth Form Party After a whole morning's decoration of the Abbot's Hall, (spent mostly blowing up ballons), and the preparation of the evening's meal, at five o'clock we were ready to begin our party. Until the staff arrived the school was kept occupied with dancing and games. By this time everyone was so tired that it caused great relief and excitement when the staff arrived in their fancy dress costumes. Some more games, the Talent Contest and the girls' fancy dress competition followed, after we had guessed the titles of the 'Golden Oldie' records which the staff had come dressed up as. Some of the Vth meanwhile had wheeled the schools' supper into the dining-room and began distributing it lo the now hungry hoards! Those who were not in the skits served the staff's meal, whilst the people who were changed into their costumes. The highlight of the evening was the Vth form skits, which ranged from Angie doing a 'Frank Spencer' imperson­ation to television advertisements - with a bit of a change! All this resulted in the school being in hysterics most of the time, and the party reached the climax with all of us singing a special Vlh form song, to end off a super evening. The washing and clearing up was quickly done, with the help of Miss Fentum and Miss Parker, and we finally crawled to our beds after a very enjoyable but exhausting day.

Helen Reid, Form V

An Evening w i th M r Rohani Anoushirvan Rohani is one of the most famous composers of Persia. He plays the piano beautifully but the music that he composes is usually sad. On Saturday night. 4th October 1975. Mr. Rohani gave us the pleasure of enter­taining us with pieces of his own music played on the piano. The programme took about one and a half hours and the music that he played was mostly classical. In some parts, a few Persian girls danced, which made the programme even more interesting. All this took place in the library and I think that everybody enjoyed it very much.

Ladan Vahabzadch, Form IV

Discoverers' Club On Wednesday afternoon, a group of about fifteen people assemble in the Abbot's Hall or outside the Wellington shed. These arc the people who take discoverers as their activity. At Discoverers we take long walks around the meadows behind the school and we can really sec nature face to face. We see the developments and changes from January to December. We see the new lambs and calves, and find out what different trees, plants, fungi, and flowers that there are around us.

Before midterm we took a walk and collected several plants, twigs etc. We then made charts and drawings and we found out a lot about the things around us. We had an exhibition of the charts for Parents Day. People who come to the activity range from first form to third form, and we have an even number of each form.

Susan Clayton, Form III

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Open Day FEBRUARY 21st 1976

The day everyone was looking forward to had come. All the hard work from everyone was now going to be displayed. Parents started arriving at 2 o'clock. They were met by the senior girls, and then taken around to the various form rooms and subject rooms. Hung up in the corridors were various pieces of art-work produced by the senior girls. In the library was a careers' lecture for the senior girls' parents. A bell summoned the parents to the Abbot's Hall, to watch the displays. First, Captain Cruse's judo class did a short and interesting performance. Next the gymnastic group performed. Miss Sale had worked very hard to pro­duce such a superb, well thought out performance. Miss Sale not only worked very hard with the gymnastic group, but also with the third form dance group, who did an excellent performance. The fencing masters and their group also worked out a sequence which was a success. After the displays the second form took some of the parents to Ancient F.gypt and provided them with a guided tour of a pyramid. This was worked out by the second form and Miss Mumford, the History mistress and Mrs. Gould the R.E. mistress. A lot of hard work was put into it to make it such a success. The parents then had tea and looked around the parts of the school they had not seen. They spoke to the teachers and looked at some of the exercise books. Finally the people started going. Pupils went home for the night after a tiring but worthwhile day.

I. Dove-Edwin, Form II

Easter 1976 End-of-Term Concert The Easter 1976, End-of-Term Concert took place on the last day of school, 25th March 1976. Parents and guardians were invited, and attendance was tremendous. The Concert proved to be entertaining as well as delightful although it was held just to show parents what their daughters had been up to during the term. The piano pupils were first on the programme and they played beautifully, giving the Concert a good start. Elocution pupils came next and they did very well on two highly amusing pieces. Then, an enchanting little song 'The Shepherd's Cradle Song', was sung by two girls who took singing lessons. There was a Clarinet solo which was joined later by another clarinet in a duct by Weber. A third Form girl then sang solo, 'Over the Mountain'. Further piano pieces followed and parents were entertained with music varying from simple to quite difficult pieces. Two Elocution pieces were recited, and these were followed by two lovely duets performed on the organ. There were some guitar

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solos, and more piano performances next on the list. The 'Taming of the Shrew' and 'The Pirate' by some Elecution pupils raised further applause from parents and guardians who were delighted. Then, the First Form mimed 'Peter and the WolF by Prokofiev and the audience were even more delighted. To round up the Concert, the Festival Choir finished with 'The Viking Song' and 'A Son of the Muses'. Parents were then invited to take tea in the School Dining-room.

D. Tscu, Form V

French Hosts and School Party at Chateaudun

France It was nine o 'c lock on 21st March 1976 when we finally left Batt le Abbey . There were twenty- four people including two teachers, Mrs. Sherwood and Miss Morcman . It was not long until we were boarding the boa t at Newhaven, which would take us across the channel to France . The boat was called "Vi l l and ry" , a F'rcnch boa t . T h e sea was very calm and I am glad to say no one felt ill. T h e j o u r n e y lasted jus t unde r four hours . We then travelled by train from Dieppe to Paris, Paris to Cha teaudun . A t nine o 'c lock the train eventually d rew in at Cha teaudun ' s s ta t ion. By now we were all feeling tired and after being in t roduced to our families we went to their homes , where we were staying for t he week.

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Monday morning we went to a college called " F o y e r J c u n c s Travail leurs". M. and M m c . Gormcz where there to welcome us. M. Gomez in t roduced him­self as the di rec tor of this hol iday. He explained in French, as he spoke only a little F.nglish, tha t we were the first g roup of F.nglish people to come to Cha tcaudun . Cha teaudun was in the Loire Valley and the Loire flowed through it. Then it was our turn to in t roduce ourselves, saying how old we were and how long we had learnt F'rcnch. Every morning we were to come to the college and work for two hours learning abou t the region of Cha tcaudun .

During the af ternoons we were taken on excursions. Cha tcaudun was famous for its Cha teau , a tall, looming fortress set beside the Loire. We also visited two o ther Cha teaux , Blois and Chambord . We visited the air base at Cha teaudun ,

At the market - France

where we were taken a round the wea ther centre and control tower. One of our af ternoon trips was to go to the local marke t to compare prices and ask the marke t people quest ions in French. We found F'rancc to be expensive! At night we were often free to be with our families or somet imes arrangements were made for us. We saw a French film, " G r a n d e Lessive" which was funny a l though we could n o t unders tand every w o r d . Also we w e n t t o a recreat ion hall where we mixed with French people , played games and sampled the " g a t e a u " that some of us had made that morning.

Friday we were taken on an excursion to Paris. T h e jou rney to Paris took two hours . Our s igh tsee ing included Notre Dame, the great cathedral , the Louvre

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where we saw the 'Mona Lisa', the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Elysecs. After lunch we explored the large shops of Paris before going to Montmartre to see the Sacre Coeur. The weather improved during the last few days and made the excursion a very enjoyable day. The days had whizzed past and before we knew it, it was Sunday, the day to return to England. The train left for Paris at six-fifty nine and as we waited on the platform we said our last minute good-byes to Chatcaudun, M. and Mme. Gomez and our families. We took the same route going home, train, boat then coach back to school. Here 1 would like to say thank you to all the people engaged in helping this French trip to be a success. M. and Mme. Gomez, our families for working so hard to make us feel at home and happy, and our two teachers, Mrs. Sherwood and Miss Morcman who had the responsible job of taking twenty-two girls across to France on a trip that we all hope has improved our French and our knowledge of French ways and customs.

Judith Jones, Form IV

A picnic in France

—*$-«&'tt»X38,fr ~ •—

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Harold Wheeler Quietly you trod the weary path of life. Cast, as if by faith, into the life of the Abbey; Encircled by it, enchanted by it, part of it. Respected and loved by all that live within it. Your heart made from the finest gold, And a soul so pure that even that of a new born baby cannot compare with it. For these and thy gentle mind I shed a tear.

M. Hooper, IV

Sunset and Life I love to watch the sunset Come and go Everything gold and red To watch the sun sink low And rise again Letting out its golden rays of light. On water it lays its golden path It is a dream to me But to some, heaven.

J. Branch-Evans, Form I

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Fire In the fire Flames arc burning Orange, yellow or red. In the fire Flames are dancing Girls in a Pantomime. In the fire Witches are brewing frog's legs, spider's webs and mice.

In the fire Sticks are crunching Crisp and crunchy, crackle

Bang! C. Fielding, Form II

The Circus Of all the people I like best In the circus ring, I think it is The tightrope man. The man at great height, The King. Of course there is the man with tigers, Young, brave and bold Lashing his whip, With a chair in his hand And the drum rolling in the band. Perhaps he is best. Well, I don't know, I enjoy them both When I go.

Rosa Maggiora, Form I

Does Anyone Care? Docs anyone care? F'or the children dying, Of hunger, cold and disease. Does anyone care? For the cold child crying With its mother, dead, beside? Docs anyone care? For mothers flying Away from their children, far away.

E. Robinson, Form II

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A Full Day Driving in a car Along the dusty road. The countryside passing by, The cows in the field. Along the road I hear a child cry. The sun, beating down On the traffic jam. We pass by On the other side. The day wears on The sun goes down The cool air rushes All around. Soon we come to the end Of our journey. Home at last How the time has passed. Time to put our sleepy heads On our warm and comfy beds.

L. Maggiora, Form II

Night The stars jump out, The darkness falls, The blue of night Is here once more. Things seem still The streets arc bare Only the whistle Of the wind is there. Claire Simpson, Form 1

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Our Form Room Bits of paper, Here and there. Sunday ribbons, Kor our hair. Rows and rows, upon-Rows of desks, Out of line. And all a mess. "It's not our fault" You hear us say. Other forms, they Pass this way. Sixth form, Fifth form, It's used by all. Is it the staff? No, not at all. The teachers have Fits galore When Monday morning, They see the floor. File paper, screwed Up in a ball, And ink blotches All over the wall. If there is time, And you have a chance Just drop by And take a glance. Fiona Heron, Form IV

Our form room

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Le printemps Lei froid decroit, la glace fond Le vent se tait, le soleil brillc; L'air sent bon, les nuages s'en vont Et les bourgeons flcurisscnt sur les brindillcs. I.cs flcurs du mondc Ressuscitent leur floraison; Et les oiseaux reviennent, en sortc Et appcllcnt la vertc saison. Tout bouge, tout s'ouvre, tout vibre Tout se dessine et prend couleurs, Dans I'harmonic et l'equilibrc; Tout s'epanouit en splendcurs. I.'hiver est parti avant la date Et les nuages fuient pour loujours; Pendant ccttc saison la joie eclate Mais I'hivcr seviendra un jour.

Ilelcnc Allemanc, Form IV

Puppy of Mine I sat alone, alone upon the grubby floor,

My eyes filled with tears. My throat sore and worn. My hands shaking as I touched,

The object on the floor. It moved, its car lifted then fell.

It's cold, hard nose grovelling the floor, It's eyes sad and lonely, water at the sides, It whined and crawled towards me. I put out my hand and touched its head,

But it fell, then a whimper, then silence filled the air. I sat in horror, gazing at it,

Its life had left its poor weak body. The fluffy ball was loo weak to live, My puppy! my love! why do I weep? I weep because I loved you. Because you were mine.

But tomorrow you will be no one's, Puppy of mine.

D. Ross, Form IV

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Love' I hear the merry bubbling streams, living free upon this earth of ours, I hear sweet music, soft and mellow that fills my cars, Then laughter which flows willingly from my lips to yours. Surely this is love, love shared between you and mc. The trees swaying mildly in the breeze, The gentle tone of the rolling seas, The sparkling stars above our silhouetted heads, and we of course arm in arm, walking among the meadow lanes, leading to the land of paradise, to the land

of •LOVE'.

D. Ross. Form IV

La Vida es Sueno La vida es sueno, duro y agrio dc vez en cuando, que sc nos da para usarla y no para malgastarla. Poctas y filosofos, y grandes hombrcs de ciencia, prcdican quc cs la mucrtc entrada dc vida, y no el fin dc ella. Y yo a veces pienso quc qui/.as vivimos mas para lograr saber que para usar lo quc sabemos. i. hs no, pucs, la vida un sucno, en la quc tanto miel como agrio nos ensena que solo somos cuerpos para dcjarlo todo, muriendo?

Ueatriz Pottcchcr, Form IV

Sorrow The tears fell slowly leaving a little clean stripe down his dirty face, they trickled down his cheek from his sky blue eyes And landed on the grass like dew drops. He turning his dirty, smudged face towards me lifted up a ragged hand thin, bruised and cold, Clutching me like he would never let me go he said "I.ovc mc".

Mimi Hooper, Form IV

3 5

Will You Make it? Your long and tedious time of effort and struggle is finished You have been born, The clock is starting, Will you make it? This hard, harsh life, Your mother washes you all over, You slowly open your big, brown eyes, You are all innocent, Your mother's nose pushes you up nudging you all the time to try and stand, she does not help, only hinders, Your first two legs are up, then the next two, You fall and fall again, Eventually you run a few paces, The time is up. Your mother is running away, A lion's coming, You run after her You've made it little, weak, ugly wilde beast, Your life starts here.

Nadine Williams, Form IV

The Two Lovers What is Love? Love is two Lovers Falling to tenderness living together, Dying together Sweet Words. Sweet Talk of the life they'll make. Woman so beautiful To the man, Man so handsome To the woman. Walk a moonlight night Holding hand by hand, Kissing now and then So at last They nestle down And watch the stars go by.

Judith Jones, Form l\ '

36

Blindman's Summer I feel the warm touch of the sun This great big ball of fire. I hear the children having fun their shouts growing higher and higher. I hear the birds singing so sweet, and the tinkle of water from the stream, the little lambs by mothers bleat, but all this I have not seen.

Mimi Hooper, Form IV

Refugees Mother, I'm hungry. Why don't they feed us? When will they feed us? Soon, child, soon. Mother, I'm cold. Why don't they give us fuel? When will they give us fuel? Soon, child, soon. Mother, I'm sleepy. Why don't they shelter us? When will they shelter us? Soon, child, soon. Mother, I'm tired. Why can't we rest? When will we rest? Soon, child, soon. Mother, you're crying. Why don't they help us? When will they help us? Don't known, child, just don't know.

Durcen Tseu, Form V

M

The Slug This snail like creature without a shell, Which slides and sucks its way along. It's horrid slimy, shiny body, which is so easy to find stuck to a piece of decaying wood, Or in a deep, dark hole. It has no face, no feet, no hands It's long shapeless body which I cannot stand. And every time I see this "thing", It makes my flesh creep and crawl. Until I cannot stand it anymore And I run away to a peace where this slug docs not exist.

Tessa Hewitt, Form IV

Starvation With a scream the woman fell to the ground, kicking and coughing for her last gasp. Her body was covered in big bloody lumps. It was not an uncommon sight. Villagers stood all around, watching her in apathetic silence. She sobbed hoarsely in quiet defeat until she went limp. A sympathetic old man covered her ashen face and gaping eyes with leaves, so they would not decay in the sun the next day. People returned to their huts, which were dirty with vermin and crawling with hovering flics. The children were widc-cyed. They scratched their swollen bellies and munched hungrily on the piece of bread their Mother had given them They were hungry, all the village children were hungry. A bowl of rice was passed around. The bony fingers of a younger child scraped the bowl clean. Then with a satisfied smile the children lay on the straw mat and went to sleep. They had been lucky.

In the next hut another child cried loudly. Its face was scarred from disease. Malnutrition made the figure ridiculous; skinny little bones jutted out of a bloated stomach. At least it would seem ridiculous to the people who were at this moment having a feast only twenty miles away

Cramming glace fruits and turkey into their mouths until they were unable to breathe. Only twenty indifferent miles to the city.

G. Farid, Form V

38

Studying Bell goes, Quick, all dash for the door, Shout, scream, let off steam. Run, dragging bags, heavily laden. Then you realize what the next lesson is, History, Maths, French? Well, whatever it is you do not really want to go. Your pace slackens, your feet drag. Your bag grows heavier. A useless object Your arrive at the classroom. The teacher is there. "You are late", she says, "Why?" You mumble an apology and sit down. Ready for the lesson?

Kerry Ross, Form V

My Friend There when I need him Understanding in his eyes, Loving and always faithful, That's my friend. He reacts to my moods, Cheers me up when I am down, and is always waiting for me.

He is always thinking of me. He needs little attention, But gets his pleasure from serving me. We understand each other and never argue, Because we do not need words to communicate. A wag of the tail will do.

Kerry Ross, Form V

39

Caroline? Was I a sister to you As you were to me? If you could change a person How would you make me be? Will you remember me As I will remember you? Remember all the past limes — Think of the future ones, too, Soon we will have to part Can't we always stay as two? Or will we have to go our separate ways To live our life through? Twin sister, tell me the answers They mean so much to me, Tell me what's going to happen And how it's going to be.

S. A. Tierney, Form VI

My Creed I believe in deep thought. I believe in the small voice that can so often lie dormant if it is not awoken by the soul, and the way to awake it, is to love. Love in the way God wants. To believe in the sun and earth; that in their combination, something greater may arise. I believe in the wind and sky: in the silent cry of a single dew-drop, nestling in the heart of a rose. Yes, I believe in God.

I.ilmaric Evans, Form VI

40

Tel. Battle 3403

Dumber 50 gifts, toys, wicker and leatherware

cooking accessories, jewellery and fashion

50 High Street Battle

MRS J. T IGWELL Sussex. TN33 OEN

For your enjoyment— Select a book from the comprehensive choice of fascinating reading at—

THE Battle Book Shop And, for writing that special letter, see our wide range of excellent stationery.

24, HIGH STREET, Tel: 2458.

41

PILGRIM'S REST (Early 14th Century)

adjacent BATTLE ABBEY LICENSED

Morning Coffee : Luncheons : Teas Wedding Receptions : Parties

arranged Home made Fudge. Jam and Cakes.

Telephone Battle 2314 Major and Mrs. MacKeleken

Your local centre for one-stop-shopping

B, attle Toys & Models

67 HIGH ST., BATTLE Phone 2416

Toys • Games • Kits

for shoes you become attached to . . .

THORPES of BATTLE

Agencies include Clarks. K. Barker

43

K.H. EMELEUS AND SON

THE OLD PHARMACY, BATTLE Tel. No. 2069

Leading Cosmetic and Perfume Agencies, including ELIZABETH ARDEN, WORTH, LE GALION, BRONNLEY, YARDLEY, MAX FACTOR and RIMMEL.

Also Films — Developing and Printing

HIGH-CLASS FRUITERER & GREENGROCER

foreign fruits and vegetables stocked when in season

PRODUCE FRESH I ROM OUR OWN FARM DAILY

Hotels, Restaurants and Canteens catered for

49 HIGH STREET, BATTLE Telephone: BATTLE 3493

and

PITTLANDS FARM, HORSMONDEN, KENT

5

44

Proprietors Gill and Hugh Vincent

Peppers Coffee House and Tea Room open 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.

MOUNT STREET, BATTLE SUSSEX Tel. Battle 2139

Morning Coffees-Light Lunches-Teas

THE HOUSE FOR Table lamps of distinction in Onyx, brass, ceramics, porcelaim, marble etc., created by English, Spanish and Italian craftsmen

Christine & Richard Compton Invite you to visit....

Abbey Green Corner 88 HIGH STREET, BATTLE

Tel. 2480

GIFTS - KNITWEAR SCOTTISH AND WELSH CLOTHING

Rosaline 73 HIGH STREET, BATTLE

Tel. 2025

FOR BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES

4fl

K.M. PICKERING LIMITED

74 HIGH STREET, BATTLE

BEAUTY PRODUCTS & PERFUMES

Rubinstein, Innoxa, Coty, Max Factor, Leichner, Yardley, etc.

TOILETRIES

CAMERAS, FILMS, DEVELOPING & PRINTING

When in Battle why not visit

Wty Clock jg>I)op WATCHES•CLOCKS•JEWELLERY

OF EVERY DESCRIPTION

PETER & JEAN BROOKS

Will be happy to assist or you may browse to your heart's content

in the gift department

59-60 , HIGH ST., BATTLE TEL: 2917

46

'BOORMANS' FOUNDED 1819

30/31 HIGHSTREET . BATTLE Telephone: 2944

DRAPERY, HOUSEHOLD LINENS, WOOLS, ETC MENS', LADIES' AND CHILDRENS' WEAR

SCHOOLWEAR

Distributors of Solid Fuels

T. C. BLACKMAN& SON LTD. 66 HIGHSTREET, BATTLE 2102

S.F.A.S. Diploma Merchant

47

Telephone: BATTLE 3118

Grays of Battle 90 HIGH STREET • BATTLE

¥ Complete House Furnishers

Removals and Storage (any distance)

Repairs

EASY HIRE PURCHASE TERMS

THE GATEWAY RESTAURANT

Battle, Sussex

FULLY LICENSED

Tel. Battle 2856

48